Around your house 10/17/07

Fun for foodies

Turns out it's OK to play with your food. Three new food-centric games aim to make mealtime -- or at least talking about it -- fun. "Foodie Fight" is a simple, culinary trivia game in which players answer a variety of questions (such as "What shape is a Japanese tamago omelet pan?), trying to be the first to get a set number of correct answers (Answer: It's square). For more involved play, there is "Celebrity Chef! The Game," in which players compete to become a star chef by answering questions to earn fans, cookbook offers, restaurants, press and the all-important television show. And to make a game out of healthy eating for the children, there is "Play with your Food." Aimed at the toddler set, this game includes a divided plate printed with different animals in each section and a spinner with corresponding pictures. The idea is to prepare a healthy meal, arranging different foods in each section. Children then hit the spinner and eat according to where it lands (such as eat a bite from the cow section). There is also a transportation-themed version.

-- AP

GARDEN

Transplant deciduous trees once they have dropped their leaves. Broadleaf herbicides can be applied now to control cool season weeds such as chickweed and dandelion. Now is a good time to apply lime if soil tests indicate the need. Keep leaves raked off lawns to prevent smothering grass. Continue mowing lawns until growth stops. Monitor fruit plantings for mouse activity and take steps for their control if present. Begin peak fall color in maples, hickories and oaks.

-- mobot.org

HOME

Q: I live in a 1,200-square-foot home with a 40-gallon water heater. The showers only take about a minute to get warm, but the sinks are always ice cold. Is there anything we can do to get hot water without getting an on-demand system?

A: Although getting an on-demand recirculation system is more reasonably priced than ever, there are some things you might want to check out first. Your problem could be a broken or cracked dip tube (a plastic pipe located inside your water heater). When the tube is damaged the cold water entering at the top of your water heater can dilute the supply of hot water. Turn off the water supply to the water heater. Remove the incoming cold water line connection at the top of the water heater to expose the dip tube. Remove it and check it for damage. If the dip tube isn't damaged, try flushing your water heater to get rid of any sediment that may have settled inside. The sediment buildup can prevent your burners from heating efficiently. Also, try insulating your hot water lines.

-- AP